A/N: Here's the Christmas Eve special for you! We've got some hot and steamy MFF loving, perfect to warm you up if you're in a cold country right now! I plan to post another chapter New Years Eve too, before returning to our regular routine. The Muse got going again...

In response to review comments, I've reposted the address for the map of Potter Manor into my Author page. You still have to Copy-Paste, but at least it's not stripping the address anymore (not sure ATM how to make it a direct link)

UPDATE 5th June: More sheering of the loving...

Stepping out of the front door and into the bright morning sunlight, the two witches looked about for a moment, trying to spot Harry. Susan was the first to do so. Tugging on Fleur's arm she pointed towards the long garage to their left. Harry was trudging past it, head bowed. Together the two witches sprinted across the gravel drive to flank him as he turned onto an area of worn grass that headed off between two outcroppings of rock. Silently they took an arm each, but neither said anything... neither could think of anything to say.

The strip of grass joined the side spur of a gravelled drive, and they turned to follow it. A few yards along though they stopped. The drive split once more, the one path leading into the cleft ahead, while the other bore to the right and rose up the incline. Through a gap in the trees they could see one of the smaller manor houses built on a higher level. Despite the clearly worn and neglected appearance, the exterior spoke of class, elegance and history.

"Think Nathan and Emma would like that?" Harry asked quietly. Susan nodded as she considered Harry's idea.

"I think you're right Harry. I know they would love being near Hermione."

Harry half smiled. "That's what I was thinking. I've already done enough to separate her from them. Giving them a home here repays at least a bit of that."

Susan rolled her eyes. "Harry... you know that's not true. You're not responsible for any separation."

Harry shrugged before he started to follow the left fork. Fleur shared a look with Susan before they followed. In her mind Fleur was thinking, considering. Harry appeared to be skirting the edge of a seriously dark funk. They had to get him away from that...

The drive they were following ran along the bottom of a gully, the earth and rock faces to either side rising to about thirty feet. They weren't shear, but climbing up them would be a serious endeavour. It was about five minutes later that they came to the end of the drive... and found one of the oddest house's Harry had seen, though it was not as strange as the Burrow. It was another of the small manors, one which Harry had had trouble understanding from the relatively small footprint on the map. Now he saw how it gained that title. It was built into the slope on the right, and had five floors, the topmost on the level at the top of the slope.

Harry leaned back as he looked over the structure. "What do you think?"

Susan smiled. "Daphne's family, I think."

Harry nodded. Beyond where the drive turned to enter the garage included with the home the trail continued on down the gully, which appeared to slope downwards.

Despite the events of last night, it was actually a pleasant walk, Fleur mused. Very refreshing and relaxing. She had half a notion that the Potters had deliberately created this walk precisely for this effect. The incline down was gentle as they walked, passing a footpath that switched back and forth up the sharp incline to their left. The right however was dropping away, trees embracing them with warm scents.

They stepped out into an open area, the sun shining brightly down on to them. The path had turned to the left slowly in a great long bend. To their left the top half of the outcrop, which had capped at sixty feet above their heads, had become nearly sheer rock, with what appeared to be an old round watchtower built at the point. Then it stopped, and now they had a grassy hillock. Too steep to climb easily, but at the ideal angle...

"'arry, lets stop for a bit." She said softly, stepping over to lay back against the bank, finding a slight hollow to sit in. She patted the space next to her, clearly indicating what she wanted. Harry looked for a moment before sitting down himself. Fleur huffed at the space he'd left, before snaking her arm around him and almost pulling him into her side. Before Harry could protest Susan had sat herself down on his other side, taking up the remaining space and pressing him between them.

"Uh, ladies..." Harry began.

"Non. Just enjoy the moment 'arry." Fleur whispered, cuddling into him. Susan did the same, looking out at the view they had, as the trees to their right only came up to knee height now, being planted much further down the hill. Looking out, they had a wonderful view of the English midlands in summer, with its rolling hills and rural landscape. Even the signs of man's habitation – the town in the middle distance, the thread of the M25 – were turned into picturesque elements of the larger whole.

Harry, looking out over the land, felt his inner turmoil settle down some. The peace and tranquillity sunk into him, allowing him to regain some balance and enjoy the company he had.

Susan he'd been getting to know lately, and he found the forthright, honest and down-to-earth former Hufflepuff to be a joy to have around. She was a light-hearted, even a bit mischievous, young woman, but she also knew when to get serious and put real effort in. He found he was growing to love her all the time.

Fleur, in contrast, he'd known a little about for longer, but she was still something of a mystery. It wasn't hard to like her physical charms, but Harry knew that there was much more to her than her appearance or her Veela heritage. While he knew very little about Veela, the emotion in her eyes when she looked at him told him what when she said she desired him it was the truth.

They sat together like that for a little while, until the intense sunlight began to make Harry sweat. Sighing he eased out from between them. "We should be getting back to the others." Wordlessly Susan and Fleur stood as well, each slightly disappointed at not staying longer, but when they linked their arms through his he reacted and made it mutual. His acceptance warmed both their souls.

Together they continued along the path, which was broad and firm here. Susan noted with interest some old hoof–prints in the dirt, making her think that at one time the Potter had ridden horses along this track. Slow the path climbed upwards again, the trees to the right rising up slowly. Towards the end Harry paused before looking back along the top of the ridge. His chuckle drew both witches attention.

They saw that the small lake that was next to the main manor came right up to the top of the ridge. In fact it was just over, the water level about an inch above. A hazy strip nearly a foot high ran along the ridge, holding the water back.

"I read about that last night." Harry commented, waving his hand at the strip. "When he created this lake, Richard Potter laid a barrier ward line along the rim. So from the other end, there is no sign of the ridge."

Fleur nodded, jaw slightly hanging as she looked into the micro-climate that had been created around the lake. She had to look back to the other side of a large boulder at the English woodland that lay before them. She looked again at the lush Caribbean inlet, including the waves that lapped gently across the water. It sent a pang of longing through her, as it reminded her of her childhood home. The Delacours lived on the south coast of France, with their own small private stretch of Mediterranean beach. While England was a wonderful country, there were times when she found herself longing for a simple touch of home.

Feeling the sun beating on his back Harry turned and stepped into the trees, following the path. It came down to the bank of the small river that fed the lake, the main lawn and manor just visible as glimpses between the trees on the far side. The quiet warmth made him feel comforted... but the feelings from last night began to rise once more. He felt guilt that those who died last night – Katie's parents, Luna's and Daphne's fathers – would not a get a chance to experience this feeling once more. His shoulders began to slump once again...

Behind him Susan and Fleur could see his guilt dragging him down once more, and they looked at each other.

"He is so..."

"I know. Normally Hermione would cheer him up..."

Fleur was silent for a moment. "Would some, affection, work, you 'hink?"

Susan nodded slowly. "I think so... He responds better to actions than words. If we show him how we don't blame him, that we still love him…" She looked askew at Fleur "But what are you not saying?"

Fleur sighed. "It may 'e best that I do 'his alone... I do want to make 'ou... uncomfortable."

"What? Why?"

"It is likely 'hat, as I am Veela, and Veela are a passionate race, that if we both comforted him, I would... make love to you, as well."

Susan flushed red. "Oh my!"

Fleur nodded. "I know 'hat 'he English are more... conservative, 'han 'he people in my country..."

Susan cut her off. "Fleur, don't worry. It's not like I've not considered that such things might happen. It's just, a bit of a shock." She then smiled deviously. "I'm sure Harry won't mind!"

Fleur was smiling now. "'ogether then?"

"Together."

They looked forwards once more, to see that while they had talked they had dropped back, allowing Harry to push ahead. He had stopped on a wooden footbridge that cross the large stream, leaning on the railing staring into the water flowing by underneath. As they approached the unaware teen, Fleur looked him over. He was far more attractive now, dressed in fitted clothing suitable for summer, a light, short-sleeved polo shirt and simple, light trousers. Stepping up either side of him they both took an arm once more.

"Harry..." Susan began. "This guilty brooding is so unbecoming."

"You are not at fault 'ere 'arry. As we 'old you last night." Fleur added, prompting him to look at her.

Harry sighed. "I know. It's just..."

"'othing." Fleur cut him off, using her free hand to pull his head round to face her. "Stop 'hinking 'arry. Just... feel our love for 'ou." And with that she lowered her head and kissed him gently.

Or least, intended to kiss him gently. When their lips connected a burning rush of desire ripped through her, igniting her passions. She pressed her mouth more firmly onto his, her tongue trailing over his lips. She scooted closer, making sure to press her breasts into his shoulder. When his lips opened in surprise at her contact, her tongue slipped inside a little, enough to tease and entice.

Feeling him get into the kiss Fleur allowed more of her passion to be unleashed, and her tongue pushed further in as she all but moulded herself against his flank, her hand now caressing his chest through the thin cotton covering. Her Veela nature rippled out, infusing the three of them with desire. Veela, by their nature, were sensual beings, but a little known fact about them was the fact that when aroused, they tended to 'broadcast' that feeling on a wide band. Anyone in the vicinity of a Veela feeling the mating urges would feel an echo of their passion. It was why Veela usually tried to mate well away from others, as often their broadcast caused others to act on those impulses, with potentially embarrassing consequences. A Veela could learn how to minimise their broadcast, but it took years of training.

On his other side, Susan watched with a sense of awe and arousal. She could almost feel the passion Fleur was giving out, and seeing the way she enticed Harry was becoming quite the erotic sight for her. A small part of her wondered why she wasn't getting massively jealous of Fleur. There was some, but it was mainly centred on the fact that the older French witch had Harry's attention right now. But she had no real resentment.

As if hearing her thoughts the two parted, before Fleur nodded towards her. Harry turned to look at her, and she was pleased to see the passion and desire coursing through his wonderful eyes. Smiling she tipped her head and met his lips with hers, allowing her hand to rise up and tangle into his hair.

Fleur smiled as she watched the two make out. Being what she was, she could sense the desire and feelings they shared. Harry may not be very good at expressing his feelings right now, but Fleur could sense it. She could feel her passions rise, and knew that none of them could stop now. As Harry and Susan continued to kiss, she looked about carefully around for a suitable spot for them to take this further, as she believed it would. The middle of a footbridge in the open was not the place for such a union. Then she saw, just upstream, a small clearing that had one edge the bank. It was all but hidden from the path, but Fleur could a route through to it. Looked back to the pair she saw that Harry was now kissing Susan's collarbone, her top pushed off that shoulder. Feeling her eyes on her, Susan opened hers to look back. Smiling warmly, Fleur gently pulling on Harry's shoulder. "Come on 'arry, lets take this somewhere more comfortable."

Harry just nodded and allowed her to lead him back to shore and then down the narrow path she'd seen, Susan following clutching his other hand. Stepping into the grove Fleur sighed with bliss. It was perfect. An open area of soft grass with a willow casting shade overhead. The river burbled to one side while cherry blossom filled the air with a lovely scent. Turning quickly she kissed Harry once more before pulling back to allow Susan to do the same. Standing at three points of a triangle both girls leaned forwards to kiss him on his cheeks.

Then they both went to kiss him again, meeting in the middle. They shared a sloppy three-way kiss for a moment before Fleur, acting on her nature, turned her head slightly and kissed Susan more than Harry. Susan reacted, turning to meet her... and then both witches were engaged in a passionate lip-lock, eyes closed in bliss even as their tongues duelled.

Harry could not believe what he was seeing happen right in front of him. He had to take a step back to make sure. It was highly arousing to see these two beauties kissing so passionately. When he took another step both let go of him to hold each other, Susan's hands on Fleur's hips while the slightly taller blond beauty cupped the redheads face. All his previous thoughts and concerns fled his mind, leaving nothing but passion and desire.

Hermione wiped at her eyes as she stepped out of the infirmary. Her father had awoken, and while still clear wracked with pain, it was clearly much less than he'd been suffering last night. He'd spoken softly with her, not wanting to wake Emma who was still asleep on the next bed.

She'd tried to apologise for dragging them into this mess, but her father had had none of it. She couldn't help being what she was, who she had fallen in love with. He reminded her that they had talked about this... they just had not expected the Death Eaters finding them so easily and quickly. She was not at fault for following her heart. Despite the pain of seeing her father hurt, his words lifted Hermione's spirits.

Now she'd decided to check on her... just what were they all now? Friends? Lovers? Whatever they were now, she knew that at the least Harry and Daphne would need comforting. Knowing him like she did, Harry would be blaming himself, while Daphne had actually lost her father...

Hermione paused as another name popped into her head. Luna. She'd lost her father too, making her an orphan now. Glancing about, she spied Luna sat in one of the sitting rooms, with Lily beside her. It looked like Lily was trying to comfort the younger girl. Hermione watched for a few moments. Luna didn't speak at all, but it appeared she was at the least vaguely aware of Lily. Deciding to leave her with Lily for now, Hermione moved off again, looking for Daphne.

She turned out of the Grand Hall and into the kitchen, and then followed through into the dining hall that formed the smallest, fourth arm of the main manor. The main table was not rectangular but a large oval, with a fire pit in the centre. Smaller round tables were along the sides. The head of the main table was to the back of the wing, facing the rest of the manor. A great, wide arch linked the dining hall to the Grand Hall directly opposite the office and Entrance Hall. Turning left, she passed through a door to the left of the library door.

Stepping outside, Hermione breathed deeply of the fresh air before opening her eyes again. The path she stood on ran down the side of the Family wing, with a large lawn to her left before it reached the trees or the smaller part of the lake. Stone columns separated her from the grass, supporting the outer wall of the family manor. Further along the stone turned right around the end of the wing, with a high rockery beyond it, which grew into the outcropping that bordered the lawn on that side. A round tower rose from that outcrop, atop which Hermione knew was the manor's owlery.

Walking down the path, she followed the trail past some bushes... and stepped out into the beach area at the eastern end of the lake. It was noticeably hotter than the rest of the grounds, and Hermione felt sweat start to form. The beach itself was a crescent of pale, almost white sand, bracketed with dark rock and backed with palm trees and broad-leafed plants more suited to the Caribbean.

And sat on the beach, knee's draw up to her chin was Daphne.

Hermione sighed before stepping down. Looking around, she felt an impulse to walk barefoot. Quickly she slipped her shoes and socks off, the sand almost hot beneath her feet as she set her trainers next to the low-heeled sandals that she saw were close by. The sand was fine and soft, barely sticking to her skin as she walked over to sit by her friend. For a minute she didn't say anything, just looked off across the constructed inlet, letting her eyes run along the 'horizon' to the short cliff to the right with the ruined tower above. Crookshanks was sunning himself on one of the rocks close by, sprawled out as only a cat could.

"I suppose you feel pretty terrible right now?" Hermione said after a bit hesitantly.

Daphne sighed. "Honestly... I'm not sure what I feel. I mean, I miss him. But..." Daphne sniffled, fighting back tears. Wordlessly Hermione wrapped an arm around her shoulders, giving her the support she needed. "He told me, as we were saying goodbye that he knew he wasn't going to be coming. Hermione, he knew that he was going to die."

The two of them were silent for a moment, Hermione gently hugging Daphne. The sense of comfortable companionship eased some of Daphne's pain and heartache.

"He bought you time to live... with his life." Hermione said gently. "That makes him a hero."

Daphne smiled slightly. "I admit, we didn't have the best relationship. I think he had been hoping for a son, to prove his uncle wrong." Daphne now reciprocated Hermione's action, wrapping her arm around the brunette's waist.

Hermione smiled at the closeness they now shared... but a small bubble of guilt disturbed her inner peace. Sighing she decided that it was best to air it out. "Daphne... I feel like I'm in a way responsible for all this. If I hadn't said we should do things formally..."

Daphne brought her other hand around to still Hermione's lips with a finger. "You know as well as I that that made no difference. Barely anybody reads those announcements in the Prophet. Yes, he has spies in the Ministry, but remember what we realised? He would attack us at some point sooner or later, with or without that alliance notification we had to submit to the Ministry. We just never expected my great-uncle to have a force already here. Our wards would have held off a normal Death Eater force. Moreover, your home address would be impossible to get from within the Ministry Underage Muggle-Born Monitoring Office... it's about the only department that isn't corrupt." Daphne frowned. "The only one that I don't get is Bell. Her connection to Harry is slight, isn't it?"

Hermione had wondered about that herself, but with what Daphne had said she started to put the pieces together. "It has to have been Snape. It's the only way they could have gotten mine and Katie's home addresses... by him accessing the records at Hogwarts. As for why attack Katie... what do we know about Snape... aside from him being a greasy git who turns a blind eye to the activities of the Junior Death Eaters?"

Daphne's frown deepened, wondering where Hermione was going with this. Quickly she ran through all the attributes that Snape could be labelled with... "Vindictive." She breathed, her eyes widened. "He's vindictive and hold grudges."

Hermione nodded. "You just need to look at how he treats Harry over the trouble he had with Harry's father to see how far he'd go. Ever since our first year, Gryffindor has won every single Quidditch match against Slytherin. I remember McGonagall commenting that the cup had become almost a fixture in Snape's office at that point. Since then we've won it back four out of five years. Now, the only two of that winning team left are Harry and Katie. It's not much of a stretch to think he'd decide to get some revenge and add her name to the list of targets."

Daphne shuddered. "No, it's not. But the question that really concerns me, why the hell does Dumbledore trust him so much?"

Hermione shrugged. "Whatever it is, it's blinding him to Snape's actions. I think Dumbledore only sees the good in people, and either blanks out or ignores the bad. He seems fixated on redemption, no matter how evil the person in question is."

"Noble. Stupid, but noble."

Hermione dropped the issue, unsure how to reply to that. In some ways, she agreed with Daphne. Certainly in regard to Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Yet... the Headmasters viewpoint was admirable... if that was his only goal. She decided to return to the initial topic. "Will you be okay Daphne? Your family?"

Daphne dragged in a deep, shuddering breath before replying. "I think so. With a bit of time..." Her eyes sharpened. "Just promise me one thing: when it's time to take them down, you'll leave him to me."

Hermione did not need to be clarified as to whom she was referring.

At that moment, the man they had been discussing was cleaning his hands furiously, alternating his glare between the unconscious boy lying on the cot that he'd conjured and the blood-stained bullet that rested on the worktop before him. Blast that Major!

He'd tried everything to stabilise and heal Draco, but nothing worked. Not even the potion he'd poured down the brats throat had done anything! He'd been on the verge of just wrapping him up to see if he could recover on his own when a memory from his childhood came creeping out from the vault he'd stuffed them all into. The bullet was still in Draco. Muggle doctors removed them to help the patient get better. Every summoning spell had failed however, until at last, howling with anger and disgust, he'd transfigured a pair of tweezers from some scissors. Pulling back the sheet from the wound, he'd had to take several deep breaths before he reached into Draco's belly.

It was the most horrid, most disgusting thing he'd ever done. No ingredient –even the most exotic – could generate the revulsion he felt as he tried to find the bullet. In frustration he'd used his potion knife to enlarge the ragged wound so he could reach further in… much as he hated having to do so. Blood caked his hands and forearms, and the smell was repulsive.

Snape was almost ready to empty his stomach by the time he finally found a hard lump. It was almost against Draco's spine, having penetrated almost all the way through Draco's body. Snarling he cut his way through to the bullet, before grabbing it. Or at least, tried to. The small, rounded form was slick with blood and other fluids, making it slippery and hard to contain.

Almost up to his elbows in the moaning, shifting youth, Snape cursed aloud as he scrambled after the bullet before finally getting his hand around it. He almost ripped his hands out of Draco in triumph as he held the bullet aloft. Stepping back he reached for his wand before casting a general healing charm at Draco. The spell worked, but Snape felt his magic be drained much more than it should. He scowled at the bloody bullet in his hand before dropping it to the tabletop. Another pair of charms cast on Draco ensured the foolish youth would live, though he would have scarring over his stomach for the rest of his life.

Snape looked at his hands. Cleaning Charms had failed to remove all the blood, so he'd pulled out some of the heavy-duty cleaning fluid. Now his skin was tinged pink from the furious scrubbing he'd had to do to get all the blood off them. His robes, however... that he was going to have to replace.

He looked at the bullet once more. His frown deepened as he looked closer. Now that some of the blood had run off, he could see tiny markings down the sides. Picking it up once more, he examined them.

Etched runes. The sides of the bullet had runic symbols etched into it, dozens of them. Each had been filled with silver, allowing for near permanent enchantment of the round. Feeling his fingers deaden, he scowled before hurling the bullet into the sink where it clattered about before finally coming to rest. Magical suppressant runes, much like the ones used on the cuffs the Auror's used, only more insidious, and much more powerful.

Snape's estimation of the Major went up a notch.

Harry breathed deeply as he laid back on the now flattened grass, eyes staring sightlessly into the bright blue sky. He was vaguely aware of the two delightful female bodies that were cuddled into him, but much of his mind was still drifting with pleasure.

Susan lifted her head a little to look over his chest at other witch. "So what do you think?" She asked with a satisfied smile, bordering on a smirk, on her flushed face.

Fleur's eyes were a little glassy, but her smile widened. "'e is a keeper, for sure!"

Susan chuckled as she lowered herself back down. Truthfully she was unsure as to where this wantonness had come from: it wasn't her normal nature to be quite this forward. But every now and again...

Another chuckle rose from her throat as she spied a patch of pale blue swinging above them. 'How on Earth did Fleur's skirt get up there?'

The three of them were relaxing together, bathing in the warm afterglow. The light breeze cooled their flushed and heated bodies without chilling them.

Susan sighed lightly. "How you feeling Harry?"

Dragging himself back from the clouds was a bit of an effort, but Harry slowly focused inwards. He felt... content. Happy even. Not even what had happened the previous night could drag down his feelings much. "Good, even though I know I shouldn't..." He said softly.

"It is not 'our fault 'arry." Fleur said softly. "while it is to 'our credit zhat you feel zhe way you do, you are not zhe one who carried out zhose attacks."

"The important thing to not let V.. Vol... Vo... You-Know-Who, scare you away." Susan picked up. "He wants us scared, terrified. I think he's trying to isolate you, cut you off from your friends." Mentally she chastised herself for not saying the name. She was determined to break the habit! Determinedly she pressed on. "It's okay to mourn those who have died Harry, to feel the loss of others. But don't allow their deaths to stop you acting, living… loving."

Harry nodded slowly, a resolve hardening with him. Such a tactic would be just like Voldemort. Well, he wasn't going to get away with it...

"We need to plan a counter offensive." Harry stated firmly, idea's whirling round his head. "With Bella's information, we should learn just where to hurt him. No more running and hiding."

The two witches looked at each other with satisfied smiles. This was the wizard they had fallen for.

Harry slowly sat up before getting to his feet. "We should rejoin the others. We've got some planning to do."

"Bon." Fleur nodded as she sat up as well. The three began to gather their clothing when she paused. "Uh... 'ave either of you seen my skirt?"

Susan could not help but laugh.

It was apparent to the others the change in Harry's countenance when the three returned to manor itself. He was centred, focused. A hard glint was in his eye were as earlier there had only been guilt and alarm.

"We need to strike back." He thought aloud, gaining the attention of everyone in the kitchen. "Voldemort's trying to divide us, scare us. I'm not going to let him win. If the prophecy is to be believed, I'm the only one who can end Voldemort permanently. How, I'm not sure right now." Harry looked troubled for a moment before looking up once more. "Regardless, we now know his secret. He made Horcurx's to keep himself alive. We've got one, and two others have been destroyed. We need to work out how many he made, and where he hid them."

"Don't forget ways to destroy them once we do find them." Hermione chipped in. "I doubt there'll be a basilisk fang lying about handy."

Harry looked at her with a small measure of amusement.

Amelia leaned forward slowly. "It's all well you feel that way – and I commend you for your determination – but I can't allow you to go off on vigilante actions, especially while you're under-aged."

Harry looked back at her firmly. "I understand what you are saying Madam Bones. But I will not stand idle while he targets me or my family." His eyes flickered to where Bellatrix stood with her sisters. "Did she give you enough to go after his followers?"

Amelia nodded now, a tight smile dancing at the corner of her mouth. "She's confirmed several suspects we had." She replied, one finger tapping the muggle spiral notepad that rested before her. "Yes. Bellatrix has been very helpful." A sigh escaped her lips. "However… I'll need to proceed carefully."

"How so?" Daniel Granger cut in, a slight frown on his face. You've a got a list of every single member of this terrorist group, right? And where they're based?" At her nod he pressed on. "So why don't you just swoop in and arrest the lot?"

"Because I would be sending my Aurors' to their deaths, that's why!" Amelia snapped back before breathing deeply. "The Aurors are a police force, not an army. And the Death Eaters have no compunction – moral or otherwise - not to use lethal spells, we are limited to non-lethal ones. I've got a meeting with the Minister on Monday to discuss several issues, including the Auror budget and our 'default' spell use. At the moment we're supposed to only use stunners and binding spells to capture them."

Hermione shook her head. "That doesn't work. We stuck to such spells during our Ministry encounter. They just kept on reviving each other. I must have stunned the same man four or five times that night."

Amelia nodded. "I agree. But the Minister and the Wizengamot won't allow us to use more powerful, debilitating curses."

Harry snorted. "Half of those scum are on the Wizengamot, if not more. Of course they'll stop any attempt to make things more dangerous for them."

Nodding towards Harry in tacit admission of that, Amelia turned back to face Daniel. "There are two other factors in my reluctance to attack them. Firstly, their primary base at the moment is Malfoy Manor, and I just know that the wards defending that place will be far more than just repulsion types."

"What do you mean?" Daniel pushed.

"Most wards just push you back a bit if you try to force your way in. You might get hurt falling over something, but that's it. With Malfoy, I'd expect that if you tried to breech the wards, they'd try to kill you." Amelia paused for a moment to let that thought sink in. "Also, although the Malfoy's are not an Ancient Family, you can bet they have some active defences as well. With his connections, I can only dread what Malfoy has guarding his home."

Daniel nodded slowly. "If I understand you, it'll be more like taking a military base than simply arresting someone on the street?"

"Yes, I suppose so. My Aurors are not an army. We're law enforcement, first and foremost."

"Okay… so what's the other reason?"

Amelia shivered. "Voldemort, their leader. While the regular Death Eaters are thugs and generally a little below the average in the power scales, the Inner Circle are better, towards the upper end of the scale." Harry and Hermione shared a surprised look, both thinking back to their running battle in the Department of Mysteries as Amelia pressed on. "But Voldemort… he's in a league almost by himself. Only Dumbledore can match him. He's… he's more powerful than anyone I know. His control of magic and duelling skills are nearly unsurpassed. Dumbledore's not as powerful, but is more skilled in my opinion. During the last war, nearly everyone who went up against him died. Only a few escaped with their lives." Her gaze turned towards Harry. "Including your parents Harry."

Lily shivered from her seat next to Harry. "Don't remind me. Voldemort is… he's a monster, but a seriously powerful and dangerous monster. But Amelia…" She laid a hand on her son's shoulder. "You forget that Harry can match him already."

For a moment Harry considered protesting, saying that he wouldn't have survived the encounter in the Ministry Atrium if Dumbledore hadn't arrived. But he saw Hermione's eyes on him, glaring, so he kept quiet.

Daniel leaned back in his seat, forehead creased in thought. "Perhaps we can arrange an 'accident' over this manor…"

"What do you mean?" Amelia asked, confused.

"My son's in the Air Force. I used to be in the 2nd Parachute Regiment. Would those wards stop a thousand pound bomb getting through? I guarantee very little would survive such a blast."

"Oh!" Hermione gasped, her eyes widening. "Could we form an army of our own? There's got to be other relatives of magic users who are in the armed forces! Between them, that ought to be more than enough to handle Voldemort's group."

"At the least, it would counter his SS allies." Daphne put in, her eyes dancing before they narrowed. "Just be sure that they know to leave the Major to me." When Daniel looked at her in shock, she levelled her gaze at him. "He's a relative, my grandfathers' brother. A traitor to my family, and killer of both my father and great-grandfather. He's mine." There was the icy cold of the North Pole in her voice by the end.

Amelia sighed after a moment. "It's a good idea, but I'd need the Minister to arrange it though the muggle Prime Minister. And somehow I doubt he'd do it. After all, Malfoy is a powerful influence in our world with his money…"

"Not so much anymore Amelia." Lily corrected her. "Much of his wealth came from his marriage to the Black Family." She tipped her head towards Narcissa, who had so far sat back and kept quiet. Daniel took a long look at the slim blond woman. "Now that that marriage has been annulled…"

"Hmm… I suppose your right." Amelia replied. "Still, I don't think Scrimgeour would go for it."

"We can still sound out the military families though." Harry stepped in, lean forwards to rest his elbows on the table. "Anything we did would have to be unofficial anyway."

"Yes…" Amelia muttered, looking like she was debating something internally. At last she looked up. "I'll ask my brother to look up any names we can give him. He's in the army."

Susan blushed lightly. "I forgot about Uncle Bill."

Harry turned to look at her. "I thought you said…"

"I know Harry, and I am." Susan shifted in her seat, clearly embarrassed. "Uncle Bill is a squib Harry."

"And the Ministry considers squibs only a step above Muggles." Hermione groaned, eyes closing in resignation. Once more the bigotry and elitism of the Wizarding World reared its ugly head.

"I'm afraid so. Neither William nor any of his children can inherit the Bones family legacy because of his squib status. Even though his daughter is magical, she's classified as a muggleborn." Amelia explained.

Daniel looked askew at her. "Squib?"

"Non-magical born to magical parents. Sort of the reverse of a muggleborn."

"You people have some… interesting names for people, don't you?"

Amelia opened her mouth to reply, but then two owls swooped in through an open window. One, a tawny owl, can to land before Daphne, while the other settled down in front of Lily. Harry and Hermione recognised it as a school owl as his mum removed the letter. The owl flew off once she had.

"Mum?" Harry asked after a few moments. It still sparked a warm glow within him to say that.

"It's from McGonagall. She wants to come visit." Lily said softly, a hint of longing in her tone.

"Of course she can." Harry assured her. "In fact… Dobby!" An instant later the excitable house elf was at his side. "Dobby please let Professor McGonagall know that she's free to visit here whenever she likes."

"Yes Great Master Harry Potter!" Dobby vanished before Harry could address what Dobby had called him. Sighing, Harry looked up towards a pale Daphne. "Daphne, what's the matter?"

The young blond shivered. "It's from Tracy. She's asking for my help." Harry remembered the dark haired girl on the train. Distant, but friendly enough. "Her fathers being pressured into signing a marriage contract between her and Theo Nott!"

Harry instantly scowled. "Another one of those Death Eater spawn. Why the hell would he sign something like that?"

Daphne sighed. "Tracy's father… well, her family is complicated. Her parents were never formally married. His first wife died a couple of years after they had a son, Roger. He found comfort in the arms of Tracy's mother. I don't know all the details, but it seems that they became engaged when they found out about Tracy. But after she was born… her mother left him at the altar."

Hermione frowned. "So… she's Roger Davies' half-sister?" At Daphne's nod Hermione asked about something that didn't make complete sense to her. "But then… why is her name Davis, and not Davies?"

Daphne shrugged. "I think they meant to make her Davies, but the staff member at St Mungo's misheard her mother, and so wrote Davis. Regardless, she is her father's daughter.

"Abraxis Davies is… a difficult man. He's built up a transportation company from nothing. He's a hard working, salt-of-the-earth type. From what I know, he had very little when he was younger, attended one of the Ministry run, local schools rather than Hogwarts. It's his business that has allowed him to fund both Roger and Tracy through Hogwarts. That company of his makes a substantial amount a year. He's a solid, successful businessman. But… he's not easy to live with. He's a hard man, but fair. Have to give him that. But he's also rather fact-orientated; doesn't put much faith in rumours or speculation." Daphne paused for a moment. "I think he also has trouble relating to Tracy, and add to that what happened with her mother…" She trailed off for a moment. "I'm pretty sure he does love her, but has a hard time actually letting her know he does."

Susan cocked her head. "So… how does she expect you to help?"

Daphne sighed deeply. "By asking that Harry put forward a bid for her on behalf of the Black Family."

Silence filled the room for a long moment. Slowly Harry looked between his family. "Opinions?"

Hermione nodded slowly. "I think we should seriously consider her. Not only just to get her out of that contract. I'm not sure if the Black Family has any requirements for spouses though."

Susan also nodded. "We already know her at least a bit, and I can't think of any others we'd want that close to us."

Lily gently rubbed Harry's shoulder. "Who else are you considering?" She asked knowingly. Harry dipped his head in reply, admitting that he'd not even thought about the Black Wife issue at all.

"Harry…" Daphne called, prompting him to look at her. "I must admit I was thinking about her when we discussed this last week. I don't know much about the Blacks, but I think Tracy would relish the chance to really make something of a failing family. As I said, she's her fathers' daughter."

Harry sighed. "Okay, but she has to follow Sirius' example. The family may be Black by name, but it'll remain firmly for the Light." He stated firmly. In that moment Daniel saw something in Harry that he understood… and respected. He'd seen many officers during his time in the army. Some had their rank but were not fit to lead a rubbish collection team. There had also been non-commissioned sergeants whose men would follow them to hell and back, but had been hindered by their superiors. There had been a few officers however, who had that quality, leaders of men that inspired almost fanatical loyalty and the very best out each man, not just for their charisma or skill, but also because they actually cared about the men, looked after them. Looking at the young man sitting at the head of the table, Daniel saw that same quality in Harry's eyes. He saw that this young man would move Heaven and Hell for those around him, face down the devil himself to save one more life. It was… humbling in a way. "So how do we go about this?" Harry continued.

Narcissa sighed loudly. "Such contracts require very formal, exact language sir. To ensure both parties interpret the contract the same way."

Harry looked at her shrewdly. "Do you know how to draft such a contract?"

Narcissa looked him in the eye. "Yes."

Harry smiled. "Good. Then would you do it? I'm not that good with words… that's Hermione's domain." He smiled at the bushy haired young lady beside him as she huffed good-naturedly.

Narcissa nodded as she sat back, already running over phrases and words to use.

Harry looked at the others. "We need to hit back at the Death Eaters, quickly. If we can't go after them directly… then what are our indirect options?" He lost a little of his confident manner towards the end, his youth showing through.

Amelia frowned lightly. "If we can get support within the Wizengamot…"

"You'll have my support." The voice from the doorway made everyone look up. Lord Greengrass was stood framed within, his daughter-in-law at his side. Despite his age worn appearance, he looked solidly at Harry. "What ever you enact, House Greengrass will follow for as long as I live."

Harry was still for a moment then bowed his head. "I… thanks."

Andromeda Tonks now leaned forwards. "Mister Potter… I think we need to put something in the Prophet… show the people that we're not going to let the Dark Lord get away with this."

Hermione nodded, a certain gleam entering her eye. "I can make sure that Rita will co-operate."

"It'll need to be a bold, front page statement though…" Susan threw in.

"You ladies can work on that." Harry commented smiling. Then his expression hardened. "What else?"

"Goblins." Fleur said. When the others looked at her she flushed lightly. "While 'hey won't 'ake sides, if we can 'ind a way for Grigotts to seize 'he vaults of ze Death 'aters…"

Amelia nodded slowly, an idea already forming in her mind as she glanced towards Bellatrix.

Harry sighed. "I still would really like to see Mr Granger's idea used…"

"Yes, well… while it would be nice and impressive…" Hermione began. "…I worry about the effectiveness. If they should escape before the bomb hit, then we'd let our guard down, thinking they were all dead… it could be disastrous when they strike back." Heads nodded around the table as everyone digested what she had said.

Lily looked around the table. "Let's take this up again tomorrow. Give us the rest of today and the night to think about this."

Harry smiled at his mom. "Thanks mom. Let's do that. But we need something that we can do in the next few days."

Amelia nodded. "I'll talk with my brother on Monday, hopefully."

"We should also include the Longbottoms as well." Susan put in. "They were hit as well."

Her aunt sighed. "Yes… and knowing Augusta like I do, she'll be foaming at the mouth to hit back herself."

Harry's gaze slid to Bellatrix, who had gone pale. After a long moment Harry nodded. "Okay. We needed to talk to them anyway. I'll owl Neville." With that he stood up, showing that the meeting was ended… for now. As he stepped out from his chair however he saw Daphne approach her mother and Grandfather. Steeling himself, Harry approached the three of them, unaware of the eyes watching him. When he got within a few paces all three looked at him.

"Sir, ma'am… I wish…"

Lord Greengrass silenced him with a gesture. "Mister Potter… Harry. You are not at fault for what happened. It was our own fault for not expecting such a heavy response so soon." He breathed deeply. "My son is lost, but he was a fighter. He would not have gone down easily. You are a noble, brave young man. I could not have picked anyone better for my Granddaughter." He smiled tightly at Daphne. "I trust you to ensure that those responsible are brought to account."

Harry's eyes hardened. "Oh, they will."

Narcissa groaned lightly as she rubbed at one eye, trying to drive the tiredness back just a bit longer. Glancing at the clock she sighed. It was gone eleven, and nearly the entire manor was asleep or trying to. But she was determined to get this done. Harry was hoping to send out the missive to Abraxis Davies in the morning, but the wording of such things had to be done right. They'd already gone through two drafts; the roll of parchment before her was the final article.

Leaning back to ease the stiffness in her neck, Narcissa allowed her thoughts to wander for a moment. Some ideas for striking back had been passed around during the evening meal, and it had been clear from her eyes that Madam Bones already had plans for the information that she'd been given. Some things had been decided already. They would begin a campaign against the Dark Lord and his minions using the Wizarding press, at first the Prophet via that Skeeter woman, then later the Quibbler, once the printing machine had been fixed. The Aurors were going to hit the Death Eater's secondary sites and homes, with the exception of Malfoy Manor. It was agreed that if they encountered or even had a suspicion that the Dark Lord himself was around they would abort. In the mean time Harry and his own 'Inner Circle' would start training their bodies and skills. While no one wanted children to be the Front Line of this war, everyone knew that the Dark Lord was after Harry, and by extension everyone around him. And Harry absolutely refused to even consider hiding out here in the Manor until the madman was killed.

Most of the day however, he had spent with his future wives, Daphne in particular. The five of them had wandered off together for most of the afternoon, forming the kind of close-knit bond they would need later in life. Lily had spent time with Mrs Greengrass and the young Katie Bell, who was starting to come out of her shock. Something which appeared to have helped was when Madam Bones returned from the DMLE, bringing news of the clean up of the attacks. The Muggleborns in her department had acted as liaisons with the muggle police and solicitors, who were now involved in both the Bell's and Granger's cases. The cover story was actually rather close to the truth. Both families had been attacked by two groups of members from an extremist cult or following, for reasons not clear, though it was suspected the link was a mutual friend of the children. His family was giving the Grangers and Katie shelter until the criminals responsible were brought to justice.

The Grangers had, indeed, decided to take Harry on his earlier offer and move into the Manor grounds itself. Mrs Granger had already toured the sub-manor that Harry thought would be ideal, and she'd come back with a smile that lit up the hall, Victor Van Dort following with a knowing smile and a pad on which were pages of neat, elegant writing. Clearly he'd been taking notes. The two Grangers had shut down their practice, citing a family emergency, and had already placed it on the market for the same reason. Narcissa had overhead Mrs Granger telling Lily Potter quietly that the thought of carrying on like before caused her to start shaking violently. While she understood that retreating after the attack was not a good idea, she could not help how she felt. At least they had already been considering the move, and had been sounding out potential buyers for the practice for a while before the event.

Little Luna Lovegood however… she'd remained closed off and quiet all day. It was clear that her shell-shocked figure was unnerving to Harry and his group, as they continually glanced at her, worried frowns on their faces when they did. Lily had tried to comfort her several times, but the young blond seemed only half aware that she was even there. Even though she didn't know her, Narcissa found the image troubling.

What really threatened to melt her long frozen heart however were the adorable Greengrass twins. While they were still clearly upset with everything, the two of them were opening up, particularly to Harry. They also found Daniel Granger fascinating…

Narcissa flushed a little, before leaning over the parchment again, her eyes darting to the second draft to make sure she had the wordage right. Her elegant, refined handwriting flowed across the parchment, crisp and clear. The words used also made it clear that Mister Black – Harry – was open to negotiation, but that Tracy's happiness came first. It was certainly the most polite, thoughtful proposal that she'd ever seen. The old Black proposals were nothing like this. Narcissa had looked over the one that had bound her to Lucius. The entire document seemed to almost scream 'You should be on your knees thanking us for deigning to notice you worm'. The arrogance and conceit had been stifling.

With a flourish she finished the last line, before dropping a few inches to write out Harry's full name and title; Harry James Potter-Black, Lord-elect Potter & Lord-elect Black. Setting the quill neatly in the inkwell she leaned back in her chair, rubbing at her forehead as a yawn threatened to escape her throat.

"Finally done, eh?"

With a small yelp Narcissa jumped, her head snapping round to look towards the doorway. Daniel Granger stood within, leaning against the frame arms lightly crossed over his chest.

"Do you mind?" She asked sharply, hoping to cover her flush and surprise at sight of him. The setting sun set soft red light through the windows, which played over his figure. The worn jeans and grey t-shirt he wore were totally incapable of hiding the lean, solid figure within. She could see the rippling of his muscles as he shrugged lightly. Mentally she found herself comparing the man before her with her ex-husband… and Lucius came up wanting. He had been elegant, but the black soul within showed in the darkness in his eyes, the set of his mouth and motions. Even the nights they had spent conceiving Draco he'd not lost the look of superiority from his face. She had known going in that while he had the drive and personality her parents had been looking for in a son-in-law, the Blacks were the ones with power, wealth and prestige. But ever since he'd been acting as if it was the Malfoy's Family's own.

The muggle before her was however a very different breed of man. The way he moved let you know instantly that this man was a predator, a professional killer. Someone who didn't mind a little dirt when he dealt with you. Yet there was also a very reassuring element to that nature of his. You felt safe around him, as nothing would get to you while he stood in the way. Daniel Granger was hardened and physically powerful, the opposite of Lucius, who'd always been rather… scrawny, to tell the truth.

"You've been working on that thing all day." He carried on as if she hadn't spoken, his frank gaze seeing through her. "I still don't like the idea of this…"

Narcissa sighed. "In some respects, I agree. But our world has been this way for centuries… and no ones seen any reason to change."

"The current state of affairs says otherwise."

She didn't have a rebuttal to that, so Narcissa stood up and began to gather the loose parchment. "I really should turn in. Tomorrow… tomorrow's going to be a stressful day."

"Yes. I can imagine."

Narcissa glanced sharply at him, but his face was inscrutable. After a moment she had to ask. "Why are you still up?"

Daniel shrugged one more. "Too wired to sleep. Besides wanted to check on my brother."

A wave of guilt washed over Narcissa at that comment, and she allowed her head to drop as she stepped forwards. "I'm sorry. About your brother. This can't have been the easiest way to find out about our world…"

"No. No it isn't." He moved a little, enough to block the way out. Stopping before him, she looked up into that penetrating gaze. "Why are you pushing your self ma'am? You know you could have finished that off in the morning."

Narcissa sighed deeply. "Bella's not the only sister with a lot to atone for." At his continued look she braced herself. "I guess I didn't formally introduce myself. I used to be Lady Narcissa Malfoy."

Daniel's frown deepened. "Malfoy… that name's familiar."

"I think you would have heard it from your niece. I certainly knew of her." Narcissa sighed once more. "My son Draco goes to school with her and Harry."

The confusion cleared from his eyes. "Ah, now I recall. A 'snot-nosed brat with delusions of greatness' I think was how Hermione described him."

"She's not wrong. His father Lucius is who Draco wants to be, but he's inherited none of Lucius' talents, only his looks. And from what I've been told…" Narcissa hesitated, but decided the man before her had the right to know. "…He's the one responsible for your brother's condition."

Daniel's eyes bored into hers. "You married that filth?" He asked in a low, dangerous voice.

"Not by choice." She replied in a quiet one. "And it was a loveless, cold and distant relationship the whole time. The world would be better off without him."

"Well… he won't get away next time." Daniel said as he moved out of the doorway. Naricssa watched him walk away softly, his form fading into the dim light.

"I know."

A/N: There, that should get all you wondering... Next time we have the Neville/Bellatrix meeting, and Luna comes back... thanks to an unexpected guest!